There are some destinations perfect for a self-drive and others that we do not recommend for a variety of reasons. (Iceland in the winter is a no, the Costa Rica mountain roads are difficult to navigate, and don't even get us started on the parking rules in Italy!). However, even the easiest of self-drives require planning and knowledge. Here are our top tips if you're embarking on a self-drive.
Plan Your Route First
Even with a self-drive you do need to plan some elements of your trip in advance. When we have your initial consult we'll discuss your specific interests, and how you want to spend your time. We will plan out a route for you that will give you the opportunity to see and do what you want to experience - but also allow for the freedom to change it up in the moment if you'd like.
Book Accommodations in Advance
The days of winging it are over. With historic numbers of people booking travel right now most of the smaller hotels and inns in popular countries are booked solid at least 6 months in advance (if not more). We will book your accommodations all along your route - so you will have a planned start and end for each day and won't end up attempting to sleep in that rental car.
Be Flexible
Self-drives are made for flexibility, and they work best in countries where there is much to see and do along your drive. We will help you plan your route and make as many suggestions as you'd like, but on any given day you may decide to spend extra time at taking in the view of an iconic Iceland waterfall, or sit on a bench in a quaint Irish village and take in the sights and sounds around you, or have an extra pint at a pub (and then wait and make sure you're ok to drive!). A self-drive shouldn't be all about speeding through your route - it should be about soaking in the ambiance of wherever you are allowing for you to truly experience the mood of the day.
Must Haves
A cell phone and cell phone plan that work in your destination.
A reliable rental care that is equipped with a spare tire.
Paper maps! Some of the country roads in European destinations do not have great WiFi at all - a paper map will come in handy more often than you might imagine.
General Tips
Know the rules of the road for your destination - such as what the road signs mean, and the general etiquette observed by the locals.
Make sure you have the paperwork from your rental company in the glove box along with whatever tools you need to change a tire.
Know who to call locally if you run into difficulty - the car rental company, your upcoming accommodations, and emergency numbers. (You can call us, and we'll answer, but with time differences and being all the way in the US your local contacts will likely be your best bet to get help quickly).
Don't run out of gas - know where you can fill up and where the gas stations may be sparse.
If you're driving on the "other" side of the road - put a brightly colored sticky note on your dashboard reminding yourself to "Stay Left!"
Ready to plan your next self-drive? Reach out for your initial consult, and we'll get you started!
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